Dori

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  • in reply to: Heartworms, need advice. #34782 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Thanks so much Losul and Shawna. I’ve been researching like crazy but I have to stop for a few minutes. Dogs and hubby are hungry. I will continue after dinner cleanup. Dr. Karen Becker says dose milk thistle for 7 days right after heart worm prevention if you must use it in areas of mosquitos (southern states year round). I have found other sites that contradict her thoughts. So far what I’ve come up with is “damned if you do and damned if you don’t”. I’ll continue research and report later this evening.

    Losul. Ive continued to research your situation and the majority of the sites suggest x-rays and/or ultrasound. Some sites say at minimum due x-rays. Others say both. If you have the finances I’d do both. As someone with an autoimmune else (connective tissue muscles and skin involvement called Dermatomyositis) I’ve always been told that blood tests, x-rays and ultra sounds are the way to go by all my different doctors with all their different specialties) because X-rays will pick up some issues that ultra sound won’t and vice versa. I would assume that that is true with everything. As I say, if your finances allow it I would do both. But no judgment if you do neither. Trust your instincts, they usually work well by us. Also you have fabulous help in some of the posters, others, like myself just want to give you some moral support and prayers. As I’ve said before, Shawna and Aimee are real gems but in the end you’ve got to go with your gut. Listen to it, it serves us well.

    in reply to: Heartworms, need advice. #34770 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    You are in a truly unique and enviable situation. Under those circumstances I would do exactly what you do. Unfortunately I’ve not been able to find a holistic vet here that I’m comfortable with. The holistic vet here in my area that has the best reputation prescribes cooking the dogs diet so obviously since it goes against what I have learned on this site about a raw diet and have seen the results with my own eyes, she’s not for me or my dogs. Traditional vet, of course, advises year round heart worm preventative. In the Northeast it was recommended for Summer not Winter. I’m afraid that mind set stayed with me. Living in the humid South I should have been preventing year round. You are lucky to have all those resources around you and your wealth of knowledge. Honestly, you’re like a walking talking encyclopedia. Love it!

    in reply to: Heartworms, need advice. #34764 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Losul

    I would definitely have X-rays done and ultrasound. I would want to know it all. The worst that can happen if all is clear is that you spent some money. Sure, it’s costly but not as costly as peace of mind. You’ll get a clearer picture. I know you’re vet said that most people don’t want to spend the money but, hey, it’s your money to spend. Both can be done successfully without anesthesia. I’ve had dogs in the past have both done with no anesthesia and my dogs are not of the calm variety. My Tibetan Terrier that we had was the most hyper of dogs we’ve ever come across and believe me, I have been mom to some real crazies but she was truly nuts and she did not need to be anesthetized for any testing. Just takes patience and a couple of good calm techs and is fine.

    I’m not sure if I said at any point in my other posts but I agree with all that said to hold off on the rabies shot. Seriously, with Turbo going through these treatments I don’t think his body needs to be going through any more stress. He’s going to be either at the vet or at home resting so I don’t think he’s in imminent danger contracting rabies. Did he give you a valid reason as to why Turbo should get the rabies vaccine now?

    in reply to: Heartworms, need advice. #34760 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Shawna,

    In light of everything that’s going on is exactly why I’m going to stop the milk thistle until I can get a better picture. I don’t want to think I’m already going against my feeling on heart worm 12 months of the year and then have the milk thistle interfere one way or the other.

    I think what has happened with Turbo and Losul has been a real wake up call for me especially that I now live in the South. I was continuing to do what I did all my life living in NYC and NJ. I’m no longer going to do that. I’ve realized that what I was doing was basically playing russian roulette. I called my vet and told them how long I had stopped and he said to continue to give the Sentinel monthly and he’ll test all the dogs for heart worms in 6 – 7 months. At their physicals they were all fine and that since we have had such an unbelievable cold winter this year the probability is that they are fine but insists they be re tested in six to seven months.

    in reply to: Heartworms, need advice. #34749 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Thanks Shawna. I must have misread or am remembering incorrectly about the Milk Thistle. I thought I was suppose to start the day after and continue for a week. I’ll do research and try to figure it out. For now I’ll stop the Milk Thistle. I’ll check out the Forums maybe someone started the topic somewhere.

    in reply to: Heartworms, need advice. #34729 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Losul. Please don’t beat yourself up about that. What’s happened has happened and you just need to look forward with optimism. You’ll do what’s best for Turbo and this will all be a distant memory. Take a few deep breaths, relax and be well.

    in reply to: Heartworms, need advice. #34723 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    I don’t use Heartgard so I’m not sure weather it says it on the box or not. If it doesn’t, it certainly should as they were so adamant not to refrigerate unless they expect the Vet to tell you but, really, it would be their responsibility. As i said, I don’t use the product so maybe it is on the box in tiny print. I use Sentinel and after Losul’s tragic story with Turbo I will be doing year round treatment. I live in Atlanta and the weather is always a little dicey here in this part of Georgia. Yesterday it reached 76 degrees in the afternoon and today’s high will be 46. I was only treating during the hotter months but now I’m a bit freaked out about putting their health in the hands of my ability to predict the weather or keep track of it moment to moment. From what you said in some earlier post, I think it was you, the treatment for Heartworms seems more toxic and scary if not the same as giving year round Sentinel. My guys are too small (as are yours I believe) to withstand treatment if they actually got heart worms. My biggest is 8 lbs. and healthy, yes, but she was 14 years old last September so she’s not a great candidate for major heart worm infestation or the treatment for even low infestation. I don’t like the idea and of course will worry about giving them the Sentinel year round but I will do that. Actually I gave the a dose the morning after I read Losul’s original post on this Forum. I do give Milk Thistle for seven days after the dose.

    in reply to: Heartworms, need advice. #34721 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Hi losul and Shawna, I just spoke with tech support at Merial makers of Heartgard and was told that the ENTIRE dose must be given. You cannot split in half because they can not guarantee it’s efficacy. It is suggested that you not do that. Also, HEARTGARD PLUS (or any Heartgard product) MUST NOT BE REFRIGERATED. It can take a very short exposure to 59 degrees but very short (car ride from vet in cold weather, situations like that) but she stated again NO. DO NOT REFRIGERATE.

    I hope this clears up these two questions that I’m sure we’ve all been thinking about.

    losul..please keep us posted as to which treatment you decided on and how Turbo does throughout treatment…..And PLEASE keep us posted as to how you are doing and how else we can help. I don’t work outside the home (my husband, my three dogs and my illness is work enough for me in the home) so I can make as many phone calls as you need. Here is my email: [email protected]. Dori

    in reply to: Heartworms, need advice. #34719 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    This is from the Heartgard website as to administration. Shawna, I believe you are correct in that the entire pill must be given. From what I’m reading the site says that you should continue to give Heargard for one (1) month not 3 after heart worm season ends.

    ADMINISTRATION: Remove only one chewable at a time from the foil-backed blister card. Return the card with the remaining chewables to its box to protect the product from light. Because most dogs find HEARTGARD Plus palatable, the product can be offered to the dog by hand. Alternatively, it may be added intact to a small amount of dog food.The chewable should be administered in a manner that encourages the dog to chew, rather than to swallow without chewing. Chewables may be broken into pieces and fed to dogs that normally swallow treats whole.
    Care should be taken that the dog consumes the complete dose, and treated animals should be observed for a few minutes after administration to ensure that part of the dose is not lost or rejected. If it is suspected that any of the dose has been lost, redosing is recommended.
    HEARTGARD Plus should be given at monthly intervals during the period of the year when mosquitoes (vectors), potentially carrying infective heartworm larvae, are active. The initial dose must be given within a month (30 days) after the dog’s first exposure to mosquitoes. The final dose must be given within a month (30 days) after the dog’s last exposure to mosquitoes.
    When replacing another heartworm preventive product in a heartworm disease preventive program, the first dose of HEARTGARD Plus must be given within a month (30 days) of the last dose of the former medication.
    If the interval between doses exceeds a month (30 days), the efficacy of ivermectin can be reduced. Therefore, for optimal performance, the chewable must be given once a month on or about the same day of the month. If treatment is delayed, whether by a few days or many, immediate treatment with HEARTGARD Plus and resumption of the recommended dosing regimen will minimize the opportunity for the development of adult heartworms.

    in reply to: Joint Health #34694 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Patty and Marie. I’m not suppose to be participating in Winter here in Atlanta but we have participated in a big way this year. This is so not the reason we moved here. Thought we moved South from the Northeast to get away from long cold winters and now I’m being accused of having brought it with me. As if I’d do that???

    in reply to: Microchipping #34680 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Chiribaya Shepherd. Very well said. I don’t work for a vet nor have I ever but you have said what I have been saying for years. I’ve had my dogs microchipped since it’s inception with never a problem. As a matter of fact, and I mentioned it before, I was present at my insistence, and only one cried BUT not at the injection. She started crying the moment I walked in the vets office as she always has and 4 1/2 years later she still does.

    The idea that your dog or cat is never ever going to get out of the house by a quick dart through the door is being naive. I have never understood anyone thinking that a breakaway collar would give them a measure of peace. As you said, and so many others, breakaway collars breakaway. It’s what they are meant to do. If your dog gets loose and someone is trying to he helpful and catch it, they are going to do that by the collar which WILL breakaway. It’s suppose to do that. That’s it’s purpose.

    I have three toy dogs. I do not keep collars on them in the house. That would be irresponsible of me. Toy dogs are prone to collapsing tracheas. Toy dogs, as most dogs in the same home, play hard and rough. They can get themselves caught up all on their own and choke themselves on something you would never expect. My sense of peace is knowing that my dogs are microchipped. I have moved many times over the years and always update our address to one and all sites that my dogs are registered with. That is my responsibility. If I move and forget to change address with post office, banks, insurance, magazines, whatever that would be my fault. We all do all of that when we move, why would we not remember to change our address with the vets office, the sites that our dogs are registered with and their insurance if you have VPI or another health insurance for your dogs which I do. We don’t forget to update our own doctors and insurance. It’s our responsibility to keep all their records up to date. I’ve known plenty of people who’s animals have gotten out and have been found because of their microchip.

    in reply to: Not Showing Logged In For ONE Forum Here Only #34575 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    You can be logged in on the forums side but need to go to disqus.com and re login on the disqus site. Anyway that’s what Mike had me do and it worked. Now anytime that happens to me I just go to disqus and sure enough I need to log in and it fixes the problem. I don’t know why it happens but Mike said sometimes you get thrown off every few weeks and just have to go there log in again. I’ve never had a problem with being logged in on the forums section. It’s all a mystery to me.

    in reply to: Heartworms, need advice. #34571 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    I think someone mentioned at some point that Shawna doesn’t usually post on the forums. Have you tried sending her a post on the general site? If not, please do. She like some of the others had an encyclopedic brain. She’s amazing and I hope she’s got some info to keep some of your fears at bay though it sounds as though you’ve already gotten some good advice with some of the posts above. Also a lot of warm heartfelt prayers going your way from the community here.

    in reply to: Heartworms, need advice. #34569 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    With everything you’ve got going I think it is truly very kind of you to take a moment and respond to my post. When I woke this morning the first thing on my mind was you and Turbo and I immediately gave all three of my dogs Sentinel. It seems like you may have an impossible situation on your hands with the neighbors property and the mosquitos. Though I live now in Georgia (Atlanta) and the winter was so cold I didn’t give the dogs any Sentinel all winter, in lieu of what’s happened to Turbo I will be keeping my girls on Sentinel year round. It’s always so darn difficult trying to figure out what’s too toxic and do the benefits over ride the toxins. I’ll be keeping you in my prayers and keeping an eye on your posts.

    in reply to: Not Showing Logged In For ONE Forum Here Only #34534 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    That has happened to me periodically. I emailed Mike and he told me to go to disqus.com and sign in there. He has no control over here at his site. Periodically you have to sign back in at disqus. I did that and it corrected the problem immediately.

    My problem now is that I am getting a lot of ERROR 404 messages and neither Mike or I have figured out yet what’s going on.

    Good Luck
    Dori

    in reply to: Heartworms, need advice. #34531 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    I also don’t have any advice, I’ve never gone through anything like what you’re going through. I just wanted to say that I read your post late last night and have not been able to get you and Turbo and your situation out of my mind. If you don’t mind, I said a prayer for you both last night and will continue to do so. I’ve been following your posts for quite a while and also your advice. The issue of heart worm prevention (should we, shouldn’t we) has always been a tough one some of us do, some don’t, some try to go by the weather which in the last few years is impossible to guess. Do we give it all year long all just when the weather brings mosquitos? We all do our very best to take care of our dogs which is what you were and are doing. Best of luck to you and Turbo. I’m hoping Shawna will come on line and give you her thoughts. PLEASE keep us updated as our hearts go out to you. Dori

    in reply to: Can Heartgard plus make yorkie sick #34503 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Ok Patty. Then I will stick with Sentinel. I put an alarm on my iPhone to remind me every 45 days as opposed to every 30 days. I think you posted that that’s what you do. I read a lot of posts about Heartgard and was wondering if that was a better option but I’ll stick with Sentinel because Georgia is flea and tick land. I’d rather protect my girls preventative than have to have them endure the treatment for heart worms. And no thanks, I don’t want to have to be bombing my home with treating for flea infestation. I wash all their bedding and them every week to keep all at bay as best i can. Thanks for your reply to my post.

    in reply to: Can Heartgard plus make yorkie sick #34502 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Thanks for posting weezerweeks. I’ve been in Georgia for about 11 years. Before that Jersey, NYC, and Cape Cod. We always had the deep freeze in the northeast during the winters so I could always keep them off everything during winter months and wondered if 12 months of the year was horribly toxic but the weather here is so un predictable that they need to me on it all year long. I’ve been trying to change to every 45 days as opposed to every 30 days. I found some ones post, may have been Patty’s aka thebcnut, where she does an alarm on her phone which I just put in today for every 45 day to remind me. And to think, I moved to Atlanta for the weather. This has been one crazy winter here. A couple of days ago here in Atlanta it was in the low 70’s and tonight it’s going down to 20. My Jersey family and friends are laughing their butts off at me. Ah well. Spring is lovely and long here. At least it was.

    in reply to: Neosporin Moisture Essentials #34501 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Hey Patty. Delicate flower is exactly what Katie is. Poor dear, I do love her but she has caused me endless years of sleep. I’ve never had a dog with this many problems. I guess I’ve been extraordinarily lucky till now and she’s making up for a lifetime of my having animals. When my son was alive from a very early age he had every type of animal you can imagine and I, of course, was their care giver. I’ve given sub cutaneous injections of medications including hydration, to snakes, iguanas, gerbils, hamsters, parrots, you name it, I’ve done it. So Katie keeps me busy but also very sane. Thanks, as always for all your posts and all your help. Have to admit you through me for a loop. I wondered for a bit what happened to you until I realized that you were, in fact, the BC nut. Funny. We’re all a bit nuts for our loved ones. That’s a good thing.

    in reply to: Can Heartgard plus make yorkie sick #34490 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Patty, How do you feel about Sentinel? That’s my traditional vets heart worm med of choice. I live in Georgia so don’t have a choice but to use during the summer and fall months, should I switch to Heartgard?

    in reply to: Neosporin Moisture Essentials #34489 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Thanks Patty. I was confounded by Katie’s reaction to it since I was following the directions on the bottle.

    in reply to: Neosporin Moisture Essentials #34468 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    You should really check your Bentley to make sure he has fleas before using any more flea treatments. When he was treated for fleas did you treat the entire home, carpets, bedding, etc. for fleas? You may be treating him but if they are still in the house it will be a losing battle. You really need to be careful using too much flea treatments. They are toxic.

    the BCnut – In the past I tried shampoos on Katie with Tea Tree Oil and those were some of the most reactive on her. I thought the Tea Tree Oil would help but it made her worse so I’m always careful to use shampoos with minimal ingredients that I recognize, research their effects and for Katie no Tea Tree Oil. Any ideas what in tea tree oil would bother her. I had been really hopeful at the time. Anyway, I have found a shampoo that only contains Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, Panthenol and Allantoin. It is the best that I have found to date. The manager of The Whole Dog Market around the corner from me recommended it and said customers loved it for their sensitive dogs. Oh, it’s soap free.

    in reply to: Neosporin Moisture Essentials #34451 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    I just checked on Amazon and the shampoo that I mentioned above $9.40 for a 16 oz. bottle. It was more expensive than that at my local pet store so I’ll be ordering from Amazon from now on. I wouldn’t have thought to look for it if not for your starting this forum. Thanks.

    in reply to: Neosporin Moisture Essentials #34448 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    My Maltese, Hannah, weights 8 lbs. She’s not the one with the allergies. My allergy dog is Katie, 7 lb. champagne color Maltipoo. Poor thing is or I should say was a real mess. More problems than any one dog should have. Have you looked on line to see what you can get? Also the Pet Supermarket probably has better stuff also. It’s time consuming because you’ll need to read the ingredients listed. Just try to find something that has the least amount of ingredients in it and that you can actually recognize what they are. Also try to find one that says it’s soap less. Not sure why Bentley would have the oily problem after shampooing and not the others. But maybe you can get a shampoo that works for Bentley and not use it on the other two that don’t have the skin issues. Does he have food issues? If so, what is he allergic or intolerant to? It’s exhausting and time consuming trying to find things that dogs with intolerances to food and environment can deal with. Took me 4 years to get Katie to a level where she’s happy, healthy. No more scratching, sores, bad breath, bad gas. There were times I thought it would never happen but I just kept lists of everything I fed her so that every time I had a problem with something I would try to figure out the offending ingredients whether it was food or shampoo. The shampoo issue was the last thing that I finally figured out. I was even trying prescription shampoos which were ridiculously expensive and did not help at all. I also found that she was having issues with the laundry detergents so I switched everything to dye free fragrance free. I no longer burn candles in the house. Nothing that can possibly bother her. Like I said. It’s been like a full time job and exhausting. But when I see her now I know it was worth all the work.

    in reply to: Can Heartgard plus make yorkie sick #34445 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    You should certainly report this to the vet and him your dog examined and have his liver checked. IMO.

    in reply to: Neosporin Moisture Essentials #34443 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Hartz shampoos are horrible, all of them. I won’t elaborate on that but I do not use any products made by Hartz. Whitening shampoos have bleach in them and should never be used on a dog that has skin issues. Whitening shampoos are very harsh on the skin. Yes, they whiten and they are effective for that if you have a healthy dog and want the fur whiter but too harsh for sensitive skin. I’m not too sure what to tell you about the shampoo you just used on Bentley, dogs and humans have different PH levels but, if he’s getting relief and making him feel better then I guess I would use it until I can find something else. Cortisone shots are only temporary as you know and can cause numerous internal problems. If you can find the shampoo that I mentioned I hope you would give it a try. If not, try to find shampoo that includes no dyes, perfumes, fragrances of any kind. Also you should use a soap less shampoo and try not using a conditioner after the shampooing it’s not really necessary. If the shampoo contains minimally harsh ingredients then there really is no reason for a conditioner. A lot of it is marketing. We use shampoo and conditioner on ourselves so companies have decided that we should be shampooing and conditioning our animals and buying their conditioners. Also when you shampoo him try keeping the water on the cooler side instead of too warm. By the way, what breed is Bentley. I have a Maltese, Maltipoo and Yorkipoo.

    in reply to: Neosporin Moisture Essentials #34441 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Hey theBCnut. I thought you stole Patty’s dog. LOL!

    in reply to: Neosporin Moisture Essentials #34440 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Hi Akari 32. I don’t know that shampoo. Is it for dogs? What shampoo were you using? The shampoo that I have found most effective for my food intolerant/allergy dog that also has environmental allergies is a dog shampoo that I recently found at a dog store near me. I was told that a lot of people that have dogs with skin issues were stating that they are getting great results with this shampoo. It’s the best dog shampoo that I’ve used on her. Before this I had been trying all sorts of shampoos for allergic sensitive skin, typically some sort of Oatmeal shampoo. I don’t know if it has any correlation but Katie is very allergic to all grains so possibly the oatmeal shampoos were not a good choice for her. Could be just coincidental that this shampoo has no oatmeal and she’s doing great on this. Hair is really soft, shiny and incredibly easy to rinse off. Here is the name and ingredients.

    VET’S + BEST
    Natural Health Care
    Soap free Shampoo
    Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo
    Aloe Vera and Vitamin E

    Ingredients are: Aloe Vera, Allantoin, Panthenol, Vitamin E

    in reply to: Harness or Collar? #34403 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Hi USA Dog Treats. If you’ll go to Forums. Then click on the very bottom that says Off Topic, then read down either sixth or seventh is your Micro chip forum. That was your original start up of post, I think, where I responded.

    in reply to: Harness or Collar? #34402 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    This is for USA Dog Treats. Your post did show up and I responded immediately. I don’t recall where I saw your post.

    in reply to: Harness or Collar? #34388 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    I’m sorry. I’m with the group of people that is not in favor of collars, leads for toy breeds. I favor harnesses. I’m not saying it can’t be done but it will take quite a long time and a lot of consistency and care on your part. Good Luck!

    in reply to: Harness or Collar? #34330 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    That’s really a shame. I wonder why they would put them there. None of my dogs have their’s around their shoulders. Sorry to hear that. My dogs have never noticed they even have them. There just where they’re suppose to be and have always been in the same spots. Weird. Of course it’s going to be uncomfortable. I hadn’t even realized that a vet would put the chip where your seeing or feeling them.

    in reply to: Microchipping #34326 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Sorry for your experiences with microchips. All my dogs have been microchipped. I have always had toy dogs. My first dog to be microchipped was a Bichon Frise. I have been present and eye witnessed all my dogs being microchipped. My Bichon Frise and my Tibetan Terrier and my Maltese were all micro chipped in New Jersey. All had different vets at the time. My Maltipoo and Yorkipoo were micro chipped here in Atlanta by two different vets. I was eye witness to all my dogs that were microchipped always done in my presence. I do not allow any procedure done in the back. All procedures including taking blood I insist be done in the room with me present. I did the same for my son. If they needed to vaccinate him or do blood tests it was in the room with me present. Small needles, no screaming with my dogs. Lola (Yorkipoo) screams even if she believes I’m taking little too long putting her food bowl down. In my experience in all my travels throughout the country been able to check their microchips. Never a problem. The Atlanta Humane Society and rescue league is close to me and yet they too can register their micro chips. My husband and I have traveled extensively throughout the years in this country with our dogs. We don’t live them behind whether we are at a 5 star hotel or at a motel along the highway. They don’t come with us when we travel out of the states (too many restrictions and too long a flight) so I don’t know about that. Anyway, you do your way and I’ll do mine. Before microchips came alone I used to have my dogs tattooed. Again, in my presence, no anesthesia and no screaming in pain. I have tattoos and I also have not experienced any pain before, during and after. Before you say it, yes I realize everyone’s pain tolerance is different. I’m good, my dogs are good. If they ever get out (doubtful) in my neighborhood they will either be brought to the nearest vet or the humane society. Micro chip checked and a call to me and I come and get whoever. Hasn’t happened ever, but one never knows.

    in reply to: Harness or Collar? #34323 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    I’ve never heard of a dog having pain at the site of their microchip. Something else must be going on there. The microchip itself is inserted with a small syringe just under their skin so you can imagine how tiny it is, maybe 1/4 size of a dry rice grain maybe a tiny bit bigger. There is absolutely no pain involved while it’s being inserted or afterwards. I’ve had my dogs microchipped since it’s inception with no adverse effects. It’s a level of comfort and peace I give myself for me and my dogs.

    in reply to: Harness or Collar? #34295 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    The reason I don’t keep collar with tags on in the house is, though toys, they certainly do rough house with each other while playing so this avoids any collar pulling on trachea and also ones paw getting caught up under/over the others collars. It was happening often enough that I took all collars off indoors. Of course, it’s just me and my husband so we are super vigilant that they don’t get out of the house through the front door. The back door leads to the yard that is totally fenced in and they can’t get off the property. They are also all microchipped which I advise to all dog owners.

    in reply to: Harness or Collar? #34292 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    She is absolutely correct. I have three toy dogs. Maltese, Maltipoo and Yorkipoo. When they are in the house I don’t put anything on them. When I take them out I put collars on them for their tags. To walk them toy breeds should always be walked on a harness. They are prone to trachea collapse. Toy dogs think they are big strong dogs but in truth they are fragile little things.

    in reply to: Stool Issues – Dehydrated? #34197 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Have you asked your vet to check her kidneys? Is she having any skin issues or anxiety of any kind that she would be licking herself and ingesting her hair that way? Just trying to think of things off the top of my head. My girls are on a raw diet and true they don’t drink as much water as they used to when they were on dry but they certainly do drink enough that I’m having to give more water. Is she urinating as she should and are you able to tell if her urine has gotten any darker?

    in reply to: Dog food for Pomeranian? #34164 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    My three dogs are toy breeds. I have a Yorkipoo, Maltipoo and a Maltese. I have never fed, nor would I a specialized food for toy dogs. My Maltese is 14 years old she averages between 7.6 and 8 lbs., My 4 1/2 year old Maltipoo averages 7 – 7.3 lbs, and my 4 1/2 year old Yorkipoo is 5 lbs. I do not have large dogs nor have I ever. Toy breeds do NOT need a special dog formula. Pet Food manufacturers just market it that way to get the toy breed market. It is typically more expensive and there is no need for it. Science Diet, Iams, Purina and Pedigree are some of the worst worst foods you can feed your toys. I don’t believe you will find to many people disagree with me. Yes, are there people feeding there dogs these foods? Absolutely. But in the long run (sometimes not so long), their nutrition will pay the price. If finances warrant that you don’t buy some foods because of the price than you look for a quality grain, rice, white potato, soy free food food. There are so many out there and there are also sites that are always having sales. I would encourage you to never buy the large bags. Toy breeds do not eat a lot and the oils in the large bags will go rancid before the bag is finished. 60 lb. bags are a helluva lot of food. The money you will save, and you will, by not having to spend your time and money at the vet because of many issues that can be attributed to nutrition will allow you to have your dogs on a better food. I’m sorry if I sound like I’m dictating what you should feed your dogs but I guess I am. I can say all this through trial, error and many many years of experience. I am 65 years old and have had dogs (all toys) since I was quite young. Just trying to help. I have no stock or relatives working for any dogs foods I’m just an obsessed dog lover and want the very best for all of them not just mine. We’re a group on dogfoodadvisor that believe that our dogs are our family members.

    in reply to: Dog food for Pomeranian? #34131 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Science Diet and Blue Buffalo are two foods that have terrible reviews so you wouldn’t want to feed them anyway. Jams is another food you wouldn’t want to feed. I agree with Aleksandra check out Victorpet.com. You may want to keep the puppy on the food that he’s eating at the breeder for the first couple of weeks and then do a slow transition with whatever good food you decide on. Leaving the breeder and going to a new home with strangers is always very stressful for the pup so it’s always best to give him a little time to adjust before switching his food. Too much stress all at once. Otherwise you may not know whether it’s the stress or the food if he comes down with diarrhea or vomiting.

    in reply to: Issues with Raw Food? #34111 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Well said Marie. There the first to complain when business starts to go south and then wonder why? As if we don’t have a right to know these things.

    in reply to: Issues with Raw Food? #34094 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Thanks Marie for getting this info out so quickly before Aleksandra purchased and fed to Bruno.

    in reply to: Issues with Raw Food? #34093 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    OMG! That’s awful. Well, I would have researched it before I purchased. Yikes. And what an awful attitude from Steve (?). Hope the dogs that are eating that food are alright. I’ll stick to what I’ve been feeding.

    in reply to: Issues with Raw Food? #34067 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Meant. Night.

    in reply to: Issues with Raw Food? #34066 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Sounds like fun. Yep, you too are among the dog food obsessed. Nite.

    in reply to: Issues with Raw Food? #34062 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Yep. Turning friends on to good start would be the way to go. I’ve got three dogs that only eat 1/4 cup each twice a day and I’m constantly looking and buying more food. I just got an order today of Dr Harvey’s Oracle Tripe and Victors Yukon Grain Free but sure enough I’ll be in Kennesaw buying more food. My husband, Jim, thinks I’ve become a bit obsessed at this point over dog food. He’s obviously right but my dogs have always been my babies. I just wish I gave some thought to feeding us as well as I feed them. They are nutritionally balanced. We are certainly not. Haha.

    in reply to: Issues with Raw Food? #34057 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    I know, crazy, huh? I’ve been on this site for a couple of years and I never thought to check it out. Silly me. There’s a whole list of stores I didn’t even know existed so close by.

    in reply to: Issues with Raw Food? #34055 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    I live in Atlanta in the Vinings area of Cobb County. We moved here last June we were in Fulton County Buckhead for the previous 11 years. I’ll check and see what other stores are in my area that I might know about. I’m fortunate in that there are numerous small boutique pet stores around me. Best ones around me are The Whole Dog Market and another is Dogma but I love checking out ones that I don’t know about. Thanks for the tip.

    in reply to: Issues with Raw Food? #34053 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Hi Aleksandra
    What is the name of the store and where in Georgia is it. I live in Georgia and hope it’s someplace I can check out. Thanks.

    in reply to: Pet Detective: Rescue Division #33992 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Leah, You can also find the dog feeding puzzles of Amazon. Most on line pet supplies also have them. You’ll find a few different configurations to choose from.

    in reply to: Pet Detective: Rescue Division #33983 Report Abuse
    Dori
    Member

    Hi Leah, I agree with Patty. My daughter-in law’s uncle and aunt have a that they believe (vet thinks so too) is part border collie and he’s constantly herding us around. He’s sweet as can be, no aggression, just wants to keep us together or at least in the same room. Some times it’s quite funny to watch. If any body gets up for bathroom break he’ll wait outside the door and as soon as you come out he starts nudging you back with others. He does get a little frantic if we start separating to different rooms. It stresses him out. When the grand kids are all in the yard playing he trys to keep them together so they spend a lot of time exercising him and he loves for you to throw the ball far to retrieve it but always has an eye on where everyone is. Amazing how ingrained their actions continue with domesticated dogs.

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